Tamperproof identification device



Sept 20, 1966 H. s. BLANDFORD 3,273,268

TAMPERPROOF IDENTIFICATION DEVICE Filed April 1, 1954 IN VEN TOR.

United dtates Patent O 3,273,268 TAMPERPRUF lDENTlElCATllN DEVllCE Herbert Steen Blandford, Elmira, NSY., assigner of one-half percent to Mordecai Casson, Elmira, NY. Filed Apr. 1, 1964, Ser. No. 356,429 3 Claims. (Cl. itl-2.2)

The present invention generally relates to an identification device and more particularly to a tamperproof identification device which maybe easily and quickly attached to an article to be identified such as fthe base casting or the like of ya machine, engine or similar device provided with a serial number of other identifying indicia.

Various machines, engines and the like are identified by punching, stamping, casting or otherwise `forming a serial number thereon. The serial number permanently identities the device on which it appears. However, it sometimes occurs that the serial number is altered `for some nefarious purpose. Therefore, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide `a tamperproof identication device attachable to a machine or the like and which is associated therewith in such a manner to prevent alteration of the serial number or other identifying indicia.

Another object of Ithe present invention is to provide a tamperproof identification device in the form of a metal block attached to the machine in which the block has a convex -rib of the top and a concave groove on the bottom for receiving a convex rib on the machine with the serial formed in triplicate on the two ribs and in the groove in order to prevent indescernible alteration of the serial number or other indicia.

A further object of the invention is to provide a magnetic block which may be temporarily mounted on a machine or engine for use as a temporary inventory identification or for identification while undergoing tests prior to stamping of serial numbers thereon `for a permanent record.

Another object of this invention is to provide an identification device which is simple, long lasting, tamperproof, easy to install and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction wth the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a machine base or casting with a convex rib thereon;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the :identification block attached to a machine base;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective View of an inverted identifying block; and

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View of the assembly of FIG- URE 2.

Referring specifically to the drawings, the numeral l@ generally designates a parallepiped body or block of metal having a top surface l2 and a `bottom surface 14. Block is provided with a plurality of holes 16 for receiving bolts 1S for securing the block to a machine base or onto any other `article to be identified such as an engine block or the like.

The machine base Ztl includes a convex rib 22 thereon having indicia 24 stamped into or formed on the convex surface 14 of the block Il@ has a concave groove 26 therein which receives the rib 22. Groove 26 is also provided with indicia 28 stamped into or formed on the concave surface thereof. The top surface 12 of the block l@ includes a convex rib 3ft thereon having indicia 32 stamped into or formed on the convex surface thereof. After the indicia has been formed it is hardened by heat treating or the like.

The block itl may be in the form of a permanent magnet or electromagnet for temporary attachment to a heat engine -or block for identification thereof for inventory or while testing thereby forming a -temporary identification system for various articles prior to permanent stamping of `a serial number thereon. Also, the block l0 may be affixed to a machine in overlying relation to or alongside of an existing identical serial number so that the same serial number will appear on the machine and the identifying block.

The identifying block l@ `may be of any suitable size and configuration and the bolts le may be constructed in such a manner that a special tool is required for actuation thereof thereby enhancing the tamperproof qualities of the device. The block lil and rib 22 serve to establish a serial number in triplicate for a permanent record and by forming the numbers on the arcuate convex or concave surfaces, it is practically impossible to alter the numbers without readily detecting such alterations. The numbers in the groove 26 are substantially impossible to alter at all and it is pointed out that the groove 26 and rib 22 are slightly spaced at their apices to provide a space for the numbers or indicia 24 and 28.

The principles of the invention explained in connection with the specific exempliiication thereon will suggest many other applications and modifications ofthe same. lt is accordingly desired that, in construing the breadth of the appended claims they shall not be limited to the specific details shown and described in connection -with the exempliiication thereof.

What is claimed is:

il. In combination, a machine having a longitudinal rib thereon with a convex surface, an identifying block having a groove in the bottom surface thereof fitting over and receiving said rib on the machine, said groove having a concave surface, indicia on said concave. surface, a longitudinal rib on the top surface of said block and having a convex surface, indicia on the convex surface of the rib on said block thereby forming identifying indicia in triplicate, and means for securing said block to the machine.

2. The structure as defined in claim l wherein said block is provided with openings therethrough for receiving fasteners, said indicia being formed on the arcuate surfaces of the rib and groove thereby preventing 1alteration thereof without ready detection.

3. The method of identifying a machine consisting of the steps of forming a rib on the machine with a convex surface, covering the rib on the machine with an identitying block, positioning the rib on the machine in a groove in the bottom of the block and forming indicia on the arcuate surface of a groove and a rib on the block.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,336,745 4/ 1920 Irwin et al 40-22 1,485,445 3/1924 Van Bloem 40-136 1,517,718 12/1924 Feldner 4U-2.2 1,901,989 3/1933 Schwantes l0-2.2 1,992,779 2/1935 Shedd Lt0--2.2

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. WENCELSO I. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A MACHINE HAVING A LONGITUDINAL RIB THEREON WITH A CONVEX SURFACE, AN IDENTIFYING BLOCK HAVING A GROOVE IN THE BOTTOM SURFACE THEREOF FITTING OVER AND RECEIVING SAID RIB ON THE MACHINE, SAID GROOVE HAVING A CONCAVE SURFACE, INDICIA ON SAID CONCAVE SURFACE, A LONGITUDIANAL RIB ON THE TOP SURFACE OF SAID BLOCK AND HAVING A CONVEX SURFACE, INDICIA ON THE CONVEX SURFACE OF THE RIB ON SAID BLOCK THEREBY FORMING IDENTIFYING INDICIA IN TRIPLICATE, AND MEANS FOR SECURING SAID BLOCK TO THE MACHINE. 